LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Labor Day weekend brought large crowds to Las Vegas and a large number of problems. Metro Police are investigating what they’re calling “violent incidents” on the Strip.
Authorities say there were a number of large fights in the tourist corridor. Many say it was busy because people were limited in what they could do.
Videos are trending on social media, showing a fist fight on the Strip and what appears to be a massive brawl inside Wynn Las Vegas.
“This past weekend, there were numerous violent events along our tourist corridor,” said Metro Capt. Patricia Spencer.
Police are looking into a large number of incidents that happened during Labor Day weekend. Nearly two weeks ago, Sheriff Joe Lombardo said he believes a drop in room rates are contributing to a rise in crime on the Strip.
“This past weekend alone in the Downtown Area Command, we arrested 28 people and wrote over 27 citations, and that was just Friday alone,” said Spencer.
One of the videos shows dozens of people participating in a brawl at the Wynn. 8 News Now reached out to the resort, and they sent us the following statement that points to an increase in security and return to pre-pandemic room rates:
An otherwise calm holiday weekend was marred by a disruption created by non-hotel guests in the Encore casino.
In order to ensure Wynn Las Vegas and Encore maintain the guest experience standards for which we are known, we are increasing our investment in our security procedures and team. We have increased the presence of security throughout the resort and added more uniformed Metro police officers. Security officers and others currently prevent groups of unrelated guests from gathering to ensure appropriate physical distancing; with their increased presence, Wynn security will allow no exceptions.
As an added precaution, all hotel room keys will be scanned at elevator entrances to ensure only current registered guests are admitted to the hotel towers. Furthermore, as guest demand for our luxury resort experience grows, Wynn Las Vegas and Encore have now returned to the standard, higher hotel rates we offered pre-pandemic.”
Michael Weaver, Wynn Las Vegas
Visitors on the Strip say they are limited on what they can do without the shows and clubs.
“I had to call places ahead of time to see if they were even open,” said visitor Chris King.
Ram Cornelio, visiting from Texas, noted, “Overcrowded on the Strip because no places for people to go, so no shows, it kind of hurts everything.”
Metro says they will continue to look into the incidents that took place on the Strip.
“The violence will not be tolerated,” Spencer stressed.
Police also say they are looking for witnesses to these crimes. If you know anything, they would like to hear from you.
We are expected to see another increase of tourists this coming weekend for celebrations related to Mexican Independence Day. 8 News Now checked hotel prices for rooms on various travel websites, and rates run from about $100 to upwards of $300/night.
